Cindy's Doctor Charming by Teresa Southwick Read Free Book Online Page B

and a cozy booth for two in the back corner cranked it up several notches. Their arms touched and Cindy swore she actually heard the crackle of electricity that was anything but static. A little sideways move gave her space but no real breathing room.
    The last time a guy had taken her to a restaurant with candles and white tablecloths, he’d sweet-talked his way into her life and her bank account, then proceeded to rob her blind. Nathan probably didn’t need her money, but he stirred a need deep inside and she had an uneasy feeling that he could take from her something far more precious than her good credit rating.
    A forty-something waiter with salt-and-pepper hair and wearing black pants and a long-sleeved white shirt appeared beside them. “Dr. Steele, it’s nice to see you again.”
    Nathan’s smile was friendly. “Hello, Mario. How are you?”
    â€œVery well.” He looked at Cindy and bowed slightly. “Welcome to Capriotti’s. May I get you something from the bar?”
    Dr. Charming met her gaze. “What would you like?”
    â€œSurprise me,” she said wryly.
    â€œMario, I think we’ll have a bottle of my favorite wine.”
    â€œThe pinot noir. Excellent choice. I’ll bring it right out.” Before leaving, he handed them menus.
    When they were alone Cindy opened hers and said, “So they know your favorite wine. Obviously, you come here often.”
    â€œThe food is really good.”
    â€œDo your other women like it?” She was looking at the food choices but not really seeing the words. When she glanced up she saw that he looked more amused than anything else.
    â€œMy other women?” he asked. “In spite of what you think and the hospital gossip you base it on, there is no line of women.”
    Before she could refute that, someone delivered a basket containing warm rolls wrapped in a white cloth. With a flourish, the guy mixed oil and balsamic vinegar on a plate for dipping. Then Mario returned with the bottle of red and skillfully opened it with a corkscrew and twist of the wrist. After Nathan sipped and approved, the waiter poured them each a glass.
    â€œDo you need a moment or are you ready to order?”
    â€œCindy?”
    She saw fettuccine alfredo and pointed, “I’ll have that.”
    â€œMy favorite,” Nathan agreed. “Make it two. And two Caesar salads.”
    â€œExcellent choice,” Mario approved, then quietly left them.
    Nathan picked up his wineglass. “Here’s to good surprises.”
    â€œFrom your mouth to God’s ear.” There was a crystalring when she touched her glass to his. After taking a drink she said, “That’s very nice.”
    â€œSee? Already something good.” He grinned.
    She wasn’t so sure. The night wasn’t over yet and getting through unscathed was a goal in jeopardy when he looked at her like she was dessert. That wouldn’t be a problem except she wanted to be dessert.
    He leaned back against the leather seat and stretched an arm along the back, his fingers nearly brushing her bare shoulder. “So, how are mumsy and daddy?”
    â€œActually my parents both passed away several years ago. My father nursed mom through cancer. Then a couple of years later, he had a heart attack.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Cindy. I didn’t mean to bring up—it was a bad joke.”
    â€œMy fault. I was messing with you that night at the fundraiser.” She settled her white cloth napkin in her lap. “It was hard losing them both so close together, but Dad was never the same after Mom died. I think he missed her. Now it’s just my brother and me.”
    â€œIs he coming home from college for the summer?”
    â€œNo. He’s taking a class, working and sharing an apartment with some buddies. I’m helping out with expenses.” Which wouldn’t be necessary if the sweet-talking jerk who’d wined and